Thin dumb "FTZ"

[John Geerts]

I have read that the two lenses should auto focus on F4 but when I got my 80/2.8 I tried it on my F4s and I could not get it to auto focus. Then I said....ok....chip in lens may be bad and I just decided to cut the wires.
I have not tried the 200/3.5 on F4......it would require I put a lot of batteries in that "animal" :-)     .....it has not been used for 10 years or more.......

According to users AF will not work on the F4s

[Birna Rørslett]

I had the F4S and E. Perhaps that's why there was no AF?

[John Geerts]

Yes that could be possible. The sources  mention autofocus will only work on the  F4 and N2020 -  F501 (which are identical) https://cameragx.com/2018/09/17/nikon-n2020-much-better-than-its-reputation/

[Birna Rørslett]

Found no verification of the F3AF lenses being able to do AF on the F-501/N-2020 in that linked reference?

[John Geerts]

No, not that link. But it's in the manual of the Nikon N2020

http://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/archive/N2020_(11).pdf  Page 47   - the 80mm f/2.8 (F3AF) is mentioned as a compatible lens. Strangely, the 200/3.5 is missing there.


And it's also here at the bottom of the page:

 A/M Switch provided; Power source (when used with Nikon F3AF, Nikon F501 or Nikon F4'
https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/F3AFlenses/index.htm

[Birna Rørslett]

Well, historically it is important to get the details right. So, thank you.

The pin-outs of the original CPUs in the F3AF lenses are different from more recent designs. That is what caused the compatiibility issues and in case of the D1/x/D2-series, the short-circuiting of batteries.

As I have long since replaced the CPUs of the AF 80/2.8 and AF 200/3.5 with my own, programmed as a manual lens, I no longer can test their AF behaviour. Even were I to find my old F4 cameras, turn them into the basic non-S version by the appropriate back, and find batteries for it.

[MEPER]

What difference in the contact interface is expected on F4 vs F4s?
The voltage level?

I have a F4s and I also have the 200/3.5 so could try it......but when I got the 80/2.8 I tried it on F4s and it did not autofocus.

[Kim Pilegaard]

It all depends on what your are going to attach to the "non-Z" front of the adapter .... very short helicoids ending in native Z mount with front being say 42mm threads do exist.

Using a factory Z mount can solve many less common adaptations.  I can order these items from Nikon and already have deployed 5-6 such mounts to various DIY adapters. Amongst these are a "thin" F-Z adapter using the combination of K-3 front and Z mount rear. Which will provide about as thin an adapter as you can get for an "F" item. If the combo is not enough to provide space for the bellows to the camera, it can easily be extended by say a K-4 or even a thin filter ring with 52mm threads.

Birna, this sounds like a perfect solution for attaching a bellows. I already have the K-3 - how do I order the Z rear mount?

[Birna Rørslett]

I'll have a look to see if there is any available in my odd parts bins. Send you a PM if I find a free mount. You also need a 58-52mm step ring to connect the two pieces. The ring simply goes over the inner part of the Z mount flange and you have to tease it into position by applying additional pressure. A few drops of epoxy glue will seal the connection when you are satisified all is working well. Or use a small screw.

If you are friendly connected with your national Nikon repair facility, they can order for you.

[Kim Pilegaard]

Thanks, Birna.

[MEPER]

I have power on my F4s in order to verify if the AF 300/3.5 can autofocus but I have no film to test with an F4 will not "dry-fire" without a film is loaded. Is there a way to "force" the F4 to "dry-fire"?

[MEPER]

I found out!
Was easy.......

[MEPER]

Just to confirm that AF works with AF 200/3.5 on a F4 (in my case a F4s).
Quite fun to fire F4 again after so many years on the shelf. Nice sound.....
AF is a bit on the slow side.....but works....

[Birna Rørslett]

Well, that is conclusive evidence. Thanks.

[John Geerts]

I have power on my F4s in order to verify if the AF 300/3.5 can autofocus.

Thanks for the test !